As part of the 2017-2019 strategic bushfire management planning process, land and fire management agencies have undertaken an analysis to define Bushfire Risk Engagement Areas (BREAs). BREAs identify parts of the landscape where managing bushfire fuels is most effective in reducing risk. This helps to indicate the priority areas in our region where we can work with communities to reduce bushfire fuels.

BREAs identify parts of the landscape where managing bushfire fuels is most effective in reducing risk. This helps to indicate the priority areas in our region where we can work with communities to reduce bushfire fuels

BREAs also help land and fire management agencies, local government and stakeholders to focus conversations about the range of treatment options available to reduce bushfire risk. This may include other actions where reducing fuels may not be possible. Over time, on-ground discussions and assessments between agencies and the community will determine the treatments that best suit a particular place.

Managing fuels on private and public land begins with a conversation about the benefits, limitations and viability of fuel reduction in a BREA. Complementary or alternative treatments will arise from these discussions. We will work with the community to explore risk treatment options for private land and, where suitable, apply them to complement public land fuel management described in our fuel management strategy. By working together in this way, we will maximise the impact of our collective risk-reduction effort. It is important to note that BREAs are not legislated planning zones and do not obligate landowners or land and fire agencies to take any action